Farming Forward: Protecting fertilizer from loss through banding depth скачать в хорошем качестве

Farming Forward: Protecting fertilizer from loss through banding depth

For farmers, managing nutrient efficiency can come down to a matter of inches. While the speed of broadcasting is practical for some nutrients, the agronomic benefits of placing nutrients, especially N and P, deep in the soil profile helps reduce losses. On this episode of Farming Forward, Dr. Rigas Karamanos joins RealAgriculture’s Amber Bell to discuss the evolution of deep banding and why "the right place" for this nutrient is defined by specific depth requirements. The practice of placing N at depth traces its roots back to the work of the late John Harapiak. When anhydrous ammonia began showing more consistent results than broadcast urea, Harapiak investigated placing granular urea at similar depths to capture the same efficiency. Deep banding, in this context, requires placing N fertilizer at least two-and-a-half inches into the soil and ensuring good soil coverage above the band. Precision in placement is critical, as "shallow banding"—placing fertilizer less than 2.5 inches deep—can be less effective than even broadcasting under certain moisture conditions, says Karamanos. Without sufficient soil cover to absorb ammonia gas, nitrogen can be lost to the atmosphere before the crop can utilize it. While weather events such as significant rainfall can incorporate broadcast fertilizer, Karamanos suggests a consistent mechanical approach for those who can manage it, stating that "the best thing to do as a practice of deep banding... is to put (it down) at least two and a half inches in depth, period." As farm sizes expand, many growers have shifted toward broadcasting to cover more acres per hour. However, the economics of deep banding remain competitive when accounting for reduced nutrient loss. For operations where broadcasting is the only feasible option, Karamanos highlights Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) featuring dual inhibitors as a way to bridge the gap. "Boadcasting urea treated with dual inhibitors is just as good as banding... but you have to have the right product the right time," says Karamanos. Ultimately, whether through mechanical depth or stabilized products, the objective is to align with 4R Nutrient Stewardship to ensure nitrogen remains available in the root zone. Website: https://www.realagriculture.com/ #farming #agriculture #fertilizer Find us on our other social media platforms: X/Twitter:   / realagriculture   Instagram:   / realagriculture   Facebook:   / realagmedia